Biologic Augmentation of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in the Elbow of a Professional Baseball Pitcher.

Tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow are common injuries in overhead athletes. Although surgical reconstruction of the UCL has improved outcomes, not all athletes return to their previous level of competition and when this goal is achieved, the time required averages one to two years. Therefore, additional techniques are needed to further improve return to play and the rate of return to play in overhead athletes. A construct comprising a dermal allograft, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to successfully improve healing in the rotator cuff. Given the promising provisional findings, we postulated that this construct could also improve healing if applied to the UCL. Therefore, the purpose of the present report was to examine the feasibility of utilizing a dermal allograft, PRP, and MSC construct to augment UCL reconstruction in a professional baseball pitcher. No complications were encountered. Although limited to minimal follow-up, the patient has demonstrated excellent progress and has returned to activity.

An examination of anatomic variants and incidental peroneal tendon pathologic features: a comprehensive MRI review of asymptomatic lateral ankles.

Intraoperatively, foot and ankle surgeons will encounter peroneal pathologic features in patients with asymptomatic lateral ankles. The purpose of the present study was to review the ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients without a history of ankle trauma or lateral ankle pain to determine which anatomic variants correlate with peroneal tendon pathologic features and noted pathophysiology. A total of 500 MRI scans were screened, 108 (41.90 ± 20.42) of which met the inclusion criteria. The peroneus brevis tendon was intact in 104 MRI scans (96.30%), and the peroneus longus tendon was intact in 108 (100.00%). The results of the present study have confirmed statistically significant correlations between the presence of an os perineum and tendinopathy of the peroneus longus [rs(106) = 0.27], undulating peroneal grooves and the severity of peroneal brevis tears [rs(106) = 0.32], a boomerang-shaped peroneus brevis tendon and increasing tendinopathy of the peroneal tendons [brevis (rs(106) = 0.37; longus rs(106) = 0.33], and low-lying muscle bellies and chronic injuries of the superior peroneal retinaculum (rϕ = 0.19). However, the present study did not find evidence to support the presumed correlations between peroneal tendon pathologic findings and hypertrophied peroneal tubercles, low-lying muscle bellies, or the peroneus quartus muscle. Adding to the published data, the present study found a statistically significant correlation between undulating peroneal grooves and an increasing prevalence of osteophytes within the peroneal groove [rs(106) = 0.32]. MRI findings of anatomic variants or peroneal pathologic features might be useful for injury prevention; however, we advise caution from using the findings alone to advocate surgical intervention. To definitively assess causation, prospective, long-term cohort studies are warranted.

Examining the Relationship Between Pathologies of the Peroneal, Achilles, and Posterior Tibial Tendons: An MRI Review in an Asymptomatic Lateral Ankle Population.

The hindfoot and ankle are dynamic structures to which the interplay of tendinous pathologies is scarcely understood. Five hundred consecutive ankle magnetic resonance imaging examinations, obtained between December 27, 2011 and April 9, 2013, were reviewed. Patients without a history of hindfoot or ankle trauma or lateral ankle pain were included. The 108 MRIs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were then re-evaluated by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Of these, 55.56% demonstrated pathology of the Achilles tendon (AT), 44.44% demonstrated pathology of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), 35.19% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus brevis (PB), and 37.96% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus longus (PL). In our asymptomatic patient population, 16 (14.81%) patients demonstrated concomitant pathology of the AT, PTT, and peroneal tendons. There were positive, moderate correlations between graded pathology of the AT and the PTT, rs(106) = 0.32, P = .001; the AT and PB, rs(106) = 0.38, P = 0.001; and the AT and PL, rs(106) = 0.46, P = .001. However, there were no statistically significant correlations between pathology of the PTT and PB, rs(106) = 0.17, P = .08, or the PTT and PL, rs(106) = 0.14, P = .15. These findings suggest an intimate relationship between the AT, PTT, and the peroneal tendons. These individual anatomic structures may have underappreciated functional relationships that could lead to future investigations. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Examining the relation of osteochondral lesions of the talus to ligamentous and lateral ankle tendinous pathologic features: a comprehensive MRI review in an asymptomatic lateral ankle population.

Given the frequency and burden of ankle sprains, the pathologic features identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are widely known in the symptomatic population. Ankle MRI pathologic features in the asymptomatic population, however, are poorly understood. Such examinations are rarely undertaken unless an ankle has been injured or is painful. We report the systematic MRI findings from the reports of 108 consecutive asymptomatic lateral ankles (104 patients). Our purpose was to (1) report the prevalence of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR); (2) correlate the presence of OLTs with the pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and SPR; and (3) correlate ligamentous discontinuity with the peroneal pathologic features, OLTs, and SPR pathologic features. A total of 16 OLTs (14.81%) were present (13 medial and 3 lateral). Of the 16 patients with OLTs, 8 (50.00%) had concomitant peroneal pathologic findings. Healthy medial and lateral ligaments were noted in 41 patients (37.96%), and ligamentous discontinuity was grade I in 25 (23.15%), II in 32 (29.63%), III in 5 (4.63%), and grade IV in 5 patients (4.63%). A weak positive correlation was found between attenuation or tears of the superficial deltoid and medial OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.23, p = .0191) and a moderate positive correlation between tears of the posterior talofibular ligament and lateral OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.30, p = .0017). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation between ligamentous discontinuity and tendinopathy of the peroneus brevis was noted [Spearman's coefficient(106) = 0.29, p = .0024]. These findings add to the evidence of concomitant pathologic features in the asymptomatic population. To definitively assess causation and evaluate the clinical evolution of radiologic findings, future, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are necessary.

Examining the feasibility of radiofrequency treatment for chronic knee pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Recently, investigators began using radiofrequency to manage knee osteoarthritis pain in patients at high risk who cannot undergo surgical intervention. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the use of radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves to alleviate chronic knee pain after total knee replacement. A single case is presented here in which genicular nerve ablation successfully improved pain and restored function. We believe that these preliminary results could be used in the development of future prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the use of radiofrequency ablation to treat persistent knee pain after total knee replacement.

Vascular access challenge on a patient with cerebral palsy and severe kyphoscoliosis.

We report a case of vascular assess challenge on a patient with severe kyphoscoliosis and joint contractures. Multiple internal jugular (IJ) central venous catheters (CVC) and a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) catheterization were attempted via ultrasound guidance and all resulted in malposition. The PICC attempt fortuitously pushed a malpositioned IJ into the correct position. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a narrow thoracic inlet with no definite venous stenoses. Therefore, severe chest wall deformity, a narrow thoracic inlet and inadequate positioning of the patient secondary to his contractures all contributed to the malposition of the PICC and CVCs.

Persistent sciatic artery and successful uterine artery embolization: report of three cases.

The incidence of persistent sciatic artery (PSA) was evaluated in the setting of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata over a 3-year period. PSA was present in 0.83% of patients or 0.69% of limbs undergoing UAE at a single institution. The authors present three cases of PSA in which successful treatment with UAE was performed. Interventionalists should have thorough anatomic knowledge of PSA, and this rare yet important anatomic variant should be included among the pertinent findings during UAE.

Embolotherapy for pelvic congestion syndrome: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of transcatheter embolotherapy in women with chronic pelvic pain caused by ovarian and pelvic varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included consecutive patients referred to a tertiary-care interventional radiology service from 1998 to 2003 because of a high degree of clinical suspicion of pelvic and ovarian varices. Visual analog scales and questionnaires during clinic visits were used to measure pain perception levels. Basal female hormonal levels were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Of 131 patients referred (mean age, 34.0 years+/-12.5), percutaneous transfemoral venography confirmed the presence of ovarian varices in 127 (97.0%), all of whom were treated with embolotherapy. Internal iliac embolotherapy was performed in 108 of 127 patients (85.0%). Ninety-seven patients completed long-term clinical follow-up (mean 45 months+/-18). The mean pelvic pain level had improved significantly from 7.6+/-1.8 before embolotherapy to 2.9+/-2.8 after embolotherapy (P<.0001). Significant improvement in each category of specific symptoms was also noted (P<.0001). Overall, 83% of the patients exhibited clinical improvement at long-term follow-up, 13% had no significant change, and 4% exhibited worsened condition. No significant change was noted in hormone levels after embolotherapy. Two successful pregnancies were noted after ovarian and pelvic vein embolotherapy. CONCLUSION: Direct venographic evaluation with embolotherapy can achieve significant improvement in pain perception levels in patients with chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic venous congestion.

Cold defect on bone scan in a vertebral body after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty using bone cements is increasingly being used to stabilize osteoporotic spinal compression fractures. Although the scintigraphic appearance of compression fractures has been well-described, the post-vertebroplasty bone scan appearance has not. This case report describes a characteristic cold defect of a vertebral body after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Effect of acute hypoxic preconditioning on qEEG and functional recovery after cardiac arrest in rats.

Acute hypoxic preconditioning (AHPC) can confer neuroprotection from global cerebral ischemia such as cardiac arrest. We hypothesize that acute neuroprotection by AHPC will be detected early by quantitative EEG (qEEG) entropy analysis after asphyxial cardiac arrest (aCA). Cerebral ischemia lowers EEG signal randomness leading to low entropy. A qEEG entropy index defined as the duration when the entropy measure is 15% below uninjured baseline entropy is used as a measure of injury. We compared 3 groups of adult Wistar rats: (1) untreated controls that were subjected to 5 min of aCA and were resuscitated (n = 5); (2) AHPC-treated group with 10% FI O2 for 30 min, then 25 min of room air, 5 min of aCA followed by resuscitation (n = 5); and (3) a surgical sham group (no aCA) (n = 3). Functional outcome was assessed by neurodeficit score (NDS) which consisted of level of consciousness, cranial nerve, motor-sensory function, and simple behavioral tests (best = 100 and brain dead = 0). We found that increasing entropy index of injury at 0-5 h from return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is associated with worsening NDS at 24 h (linear regression: r = 0.81, P < 0.001). The NDS of the group sham (84.7 +/- 2.8) (mean +/- SEM) and AHPC group (84.6 +/- 2.9, P > 0.05) was better than control injury group (52.2 +/- 8.4, P < 0.05) (ANOVA with Tukey test). We therefore conclude that AHPC confers acute neuroprotection at 24 h, which was detected by qEEG entropy during the first 5 h after injury.

Resection of an orbital lymphangioma with the aid of an intralesional liquid polymer.

A 28-year-old man with long-standing right proptosis presented with an extensive multilobulated partially cystic orbital mass thought to be a lymphangioma. Because of concern that excision or debulking of the lesion was likely to be complicated by excessive bleeding, the lesion was injected with a mixture of ethiodized oil (Ethiodol) and cyanoacrylate glue under direct observation. The mixture caused the injected lobules to assume a firm, rubbery texture, allowing them to be excised without bleeding.